KMC 3) - RESPONSIVENESS (Part 2)

Key Mentorship Characteristics (KMC) #3) - "RESPONSIVENESS" (Part 2)

1) RESPONSIVENESS - the characteristic of responsiveness in mentorship is exhibited when one or both parties take appropriate steps to react quickly to address the needs of the other party. It involves an appreciation for the state or condition of the other party, as well as an understanding of the mutual commitment that each has made to nurture and develop the relationship.

THANKS for YOUR RESPONSE to Part 1 of our discussion on "RESPONSIVENESS". We've posted a couple of comments that came in and invite you to add your thoughts to those received from our friends and readers regarding the role of “RESPONSIVENESS” in Mentorship.

Please feel free to share your experience with respect to this aspect of mentorship and invite others to participate where you feel they could add value to our discussion.

We asked:

•       What is the role of RESPONSIVENESS within a mentoring relationship?

•       What does RESPONSIVENESS mean to you?

•       How is RESPONSIVENESS developed between the mentoring partners?

   

In the following article, my friend Bill Butler (British Columbia, Canada) puts a very different lens on the concept of 'love' ... particularly when we apply it to our everyday interactions with others in the workplace, and then of course, within a mentoring relationship. I’ve really appreciated Bill's insights and his expertise. Thanks for adding some great value to our discussion on Mentorship! 

Here are Bill's comments on RESPONSIVENESS:

To me, responsiveness in a mentorship relationship simply means the employment of love.

It is important to have responsiveness because the communication of love opens the door to awareness and meaningful dialogue. It is active awareness and an appreciation of both the mentor and client(s) that permits the relationship to blossom and flourish into a level of complete trust.

For example, a client may not feel that they are not able to be forthcoming on certain matters, or they may be unaware of things within themselves, until they are elicited through compassionate discourse.

How can it be developed? The mentor offers a sympathetic, listening ear... a tender heart... and a non-judgmental understanding of the client. This level of sensitivity, in turn, enables the client to be willing to listen to the mentor, to be receptive to what the mentor brings to the table.

As the mentor has just as much to learn from the process, the client also plays a vital role in the growth of the mentor by communicating life experiences. Such are the dynamics of the relationship. It works best when all parties involved remain open to learning from one another. Responsiveness is important at all times because it is the health and heart of the relationship.

It can also be developed through awareness and appreciation of one’s character. This serves to regulate self-esteem. For example, a client with low self-esteem may obtain a more accurate picture of who they truly are, thus elevating their perception of themselves to a healthy level. Conversely, if a client is egotistical and/or self-righteous, an accurate picture of who they are, communicated in a loving way, usually serves to temper it, first by being provided the awareness and then by the acceptance of it.

* Readers can access additional information from Bill Butler from his Facebook page, or at his website: www.williambutler.ca

Thanks Bill for this interesting and very personal perspective on some of the underlying dynamics that can enrich the quality of a mentoring relationship when taken to heart and actively applied! 

 

NOW - Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with respect to this aspect of mentorship.  Also, help us to reach others who could benefit from participating in this discussion. We welcome your 'sharing' this page with those in your circle of contacts!

Questions:

•       What is the role of RESPONSIVENESS within a mentoring relationship?

•       What does RESPONSIVENESS mean to you?

•       How is RESPONSIVENESS developed between the mentoring partners?